Busy day

Yesterday morning was a very good session for the Group, with 56 birds caught of 17 species. Of these the highlights were a Green Woodpecker, juvenile Whinchat, ten Chiffchaffs, a Linnet, Sedge Warbler and seven Blackcaps.

The evening session to catch waders on Colyford Marshes was not what we hoped with only two waders caught. Numbers were down and only the occasional Curlew, Oystercatcher and Greenshank passing over. Nevertheless, a Redshank and  a Common Snipe were eventually caught and ringed.

Common Snipe

Redshank

(Photos Mike Tyler)

Best catch since Covid 19 started

 Today the Group spent the morning ringing birds on Colyford Common and was rewarded with 61 birds of 16 species. Highlights included a control of a Reed Warbler ringed in France, Garden Warbler and 12 Sedge Warblers. In addition the mixed bag included:

Robin 4; Wren 2; Whitethroat 1; Blue Tit 9; Chiffchaff 2; Dunnock 4; Goldfinch 11; Greenfinch 1; Reed Warbler (others) 6; Great Tit 2; Blackbird 1; Blackcap 2; Chaffinch 1; and Great Spotted Woodpecker 1.

An enjoyable and exciting morning for those present.

First real catch of juveniles

Today the Group had an interesting session in the far corner of the Seaton Wetlands and caught 33 birds of 14 species. Good numbers of juveniles were caught, which included, 24 of the total ringed. Interesting that a lesser Whitethroat, Chiffchaffs and Blackcaps were caught suggest they may have bred not too far away. 

A good session for early summer.

First session for 2021!

The Group conducted its first ringing session since the second lockdown, which enabled five members to take advantage of the sunny dry morning and gentle breeze. Fifty one birds were caught of 14 species, but only one migrant Chiffchaff. Good numbers of Greenfinches and Goldfinches and few Chaffinches. One Cetti's Warbler and one Mute Swan was colour ringed. A reasonable start to the year and hoping no further restrictions will prevent more sessions taking place.